Baby bag convertible into bassinet

ABSTRACT

A baby bag that is convertible to a baby carrier includes a base that is movable between a folded configuration for storage and transport of the baby bag, and an unfolded configuration for receiving a baby. In an embodiment, a harness is connected to the base for restraining a baby received upon the base such that a back of the baby is maintained in close proximity to the base. In the same or another embodiment, a shoulder strap is attached to the base for suspension of the base, whereby a baby received upon the base may be carried by a person utilizing the shoulder strap.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35U.S.C. §120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/160,001, which '001application published as U.S. patent application publication no.2005/0210594 μl, and which '001 application is a continuation-in-part ofand claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/051,970, which '970 application is a nonprovisional patentapplication of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S.provisional patent application No. 60/541,546. Each of these patentapplications and the patent application publication are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyrightprotection under the copyright laws of the United States and of othercountries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records,but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of bags intended for use in carrying childcare accessories iscommercially available. Available bags are useful for storing andtransporting accessories and can be seen in many public environmentswhere care providers such as parents and young children are seen. Forexample, young mothers carrying children and bags of diaper-changingsupplies can often be seen in shopping districts, public parks, and inpublic transportation facilities. A care provider can face considerablephysical prowess and balance challenges in carrying both a child and atypical care accessory bag throughout the course of any typical dailyouting. Yet other challenges arise when a diaper needs to be changed.Even if a diaper changing station is available, such as in a publicrestroom, a parent may have difficulty while trying to comfort andsecurely hold a child on the hard surface of such a station whilefumbling through a bag to find needed supplies. The cleanliness of sucha surface and the overall public restroom environment is yet anotherconcern for such a parent and carrying a pad or the like to isolate thechild and the supplies only adds further burden in carrying and placingthe pad. Indeed, often are seen awkward ad hoc situations in automobilesand lobbies where diaper changing stations are unavailable and a careprovider struggles to feed a child or change a diaper without aconvenient platform for the execution of the task. Child carriers areavailable to securely cradle a child but typical carriers are fashionedsuch that a child essentially must be removed from the carrier for adiaper changing, further complicating the balancing and juggling actionsof the care provider.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover,while many aspects and features relate to a bag and a carrier, and aredescribed herein in the context of a baby bag that is convertible to ababy carrier, the present invention is not limited to use only intransporting a bag, contents thereof, and a baby. For example, when abag according to the present invention is converted to a carrier, thecarrier is useful as a baby bed and as a diaper changing station withoutregard to whether a baby is actually carried about or transported, aswill become apparent from the following summaries and detaileddescriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of thepresent invention.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a babybag that is convertible to a baby carrier. In one or more examples, ababy bag includes a base and a harness connected to the base.Furthermore, the base is movable between a folded configuration forstorage and transport of the baby bag, and an unfolded configuration forreceiving a baby, and the harness is configured to restrain a babyreceived upon the base.

Several variations according to the first aspect relate to the basehaving a first member hingedly attached to a second member. In one ormore examples, moving the base from the folded configuration to theunfolded configuration includes rotating the first and second basemembers relative to one another. Optionally, overextension of the baseis prevented by abutment of a portion of the first base member with thesecond base member. In another option, an angle of greater than ninetydegrees is defined between the first base member and the second basemember when the base is in the unfolded configuration.

Another variation relates to a shoulder strap that is removably attachedto the base.

Another variation relates to a base member being cushioned for receivinga baby in comfort.

Other variations relate to pockets. In one or more examples, the babybag includes a plurality of pockets, one of which may be disposed on amember that is connected to the base for hinging movement. Optionally, apocket is dimensioned to receive a mobile phone. In another option, apocket dimensioned to receive a baby bottle is disposed on the outsideof the baby bag when the base is in the folded configuration. In yetanother option, a pocket is dimensioned to receive an umbrella when thebase is in the unfolded configuration for shading a baby.

Another variation relates to a canopy for covering a baby when receivedon the base.

Another variation relates to a collapsible wall attached to andextending around the perimeter of the base for encircling a babyreceived upon the base when the base is in the unfolded configuration,the wall collapsing toward the base when the base is moved into thefolded configuration. In at least one example, the collapsible wallincludes sections comprising mesh.

Another variation relates to a cushion for partially surrounding ababy's head when received upon the base. In at least one example, thecushion is removably attached to the base via hook-and-loop fasteners.

Another variation relates to a blanket for covering a baby received uponthe base. In at least one example, the blanket is removably attached tothe base via hook-and-loop fasteners.

Another variation relates to an anchor strap connected to the base forreceipt therethrough of a belt.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method of usingthe convertible baby bag of the first aspect for carrying a baby. Thismethod includes converting the baby bag to the baby carrier in theunfolded configuration, placing a baby upon the base, restraining thebaby to the base using the harness, and carrying the base with the babyrestrained to the base.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a baby bag that isconvertible to a baby carrier. In one or more examples, a baby bagincludes a base and a shoulder strap attached to the base. Furthermore,the base is movable between a folded configuration for storage andtransport of the baby bag, and an unfolded configuration for receiving ababy. Moreover, a baby received upon the base may be carried by a personutilizing the shoulder strap.

A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a method of usingthe convertible baby bag of the third aspect for carrying a baby. Thismethod includes converting the baby bag to the baby carrier by movingthe base into the unfolded configuration, placing the baby upon thebase, and suspending the base and the baby by the shoulder strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects and features of the invention wilt be morereadily understood upon consideration of the attached drawings and ofthe following detailed description of particular embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a convertible baby bag according to afirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the baby bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is a bottom view of the baby bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the baby bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an opposite side view of the baby bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an end view of the baby bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an opposite end view of the baby bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the baby bag of FIG. 1 converting to ababy carrier.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the baby bag of FIG. 1 converted to ababy carrier.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the baby carrier of FIG. 8 showing anarrangement of rigid members thereof.

FIG. 10 is an end view of the rigid members of FIG. 9, wherein the rigidmembers are shown in a folded configuration.

FIG. 11 is an end view of the rigid members of FIG. 9 shown in anunfolded configuration, wherein overextension beyond the unfoldedconfiguration is prevented.

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of another arrangement of rigidmembers for a convertible baby bag, wherein the rigid members are shownin a partially folded configuration.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the baby carrier of FIG. 8 with a babyreceived thereon.

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the baby carrier of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of a bottle support according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the baby carrier and baby of FIG. 13,wherein a baby bottle is supported by the bottle support of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the baby carrier and baby of FIG. 13,wherein the carrier is suspended from a shoulder strap.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the baby carrier and baby of FIG. 13carried by a person utilizing the shoulder strap as in the arrangementof FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the baby carrier of FIG. 13 carried bya person utilizing the shoulder strap in an alternative arrangement.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the baby carrier of FIG. 13 supportedby other straps.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein a convertible baby bag is shown in an unfoldedconfiguration to define a baby carrier.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the convertible baby bag of FIG. 21,wherein the base thereof is shown in a folded configuration.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the convertible baby bag of FIG. 21 ina fully folded configuration.

FIG. 24 is another perspective view of the convertible baby bag of FIG.21 in an unfolded configuration defining a baby carrier.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the baby carrier of FIG. 24 beingcarried by a person utilizing a shoulder strap assembly.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a hinging frame of a convertible babybag, wherein the hinging frame is shown in an unfolded configuration.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the hinging frame of FIG. 26, whereinthe hinging frame is shown in a folded configuration.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the hinging frame of FIG. 26, whereinthe hinging frame is shown in an inclined configuration.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hinging frameof a convertible baby bag, wherein the hinging frame is shown in aninclined configuration.

FIG. 30 is another perspective view of certain components of the hingingframe of FIG. 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the presentinvention has broad utility and application. Other embodiments also maybe discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a fulland enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, manyembodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodimentsdescribed herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detailin relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, andis made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein ofone or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, tolimit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention,which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof.It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded thepresent invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitationfound herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still failing within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by theappended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “apicnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having atleast one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” Incontrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and”denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnicbasket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket havingcheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well asdescribes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basketfurther has cheese.”

Turning now to the drawings, a first embodiment of a baby bag 10 that isconvertible into a baby carrier is shown in various views in FIGS. 1-6.A first side 12, a first end 14, a top 16, and purse straps 18 are shownin FIG. 1. The top 16 having purse straps are shown in FIG. 2. The top16 has a pocket 20 attached thereto and a pocket closure 22 such as anarea of hook-and-loop fasteners. In one embodiment, the pocket 20 isspecifically dimensioned to receive a mobile phone in snug fit therein.In another embodiment, the pocket 20 is specifically dimensioned toreceive a baby bottle in snug fit therein. A bottom 24 is shown in FIG.2A having a pocket 26 attached thereto and a pocket closure 28 such asan area of hook-and-loop fasteners. A second side 30 is shown in FIG. 3.The top 16 is hingedly attached to the second side 30 defining anopening and closing top of the bag for accessing the major interiorthereof. The first side 12 is shown in FIG. 4 having a pocket 32attached thereto and pocket closures 34,36 such as areas ofhook-and-loop fasteners. A second end 38 is shown in FIG. 5 having firstand second members 40,42 thereof that are joinable by a connector 44such as a zipper. The first member 40 of the second end 38 is hingedlyattached to the first side 12 and the second member 42 is hingedlyattached to the second side 30. The first end 14 is shown in FIG. 6having first and second members 46,48 thereof that are joinable by aconnector 50 such as a zipper. The first member 46 of the second end 14is hingedly attached to the first side 12 and the second member 48 ishingedly attached to the second side 30.

When the first and second members 46,48 of the first end 14 are joinedby the connector 50 as shown in FIG. 6, and the first and second members40,42 of the second end 38 are joined by the connector 44 as shown inFIG. 5, the bag 10 is configured as a generally rectangular bag havingmultiple outer pockets having pocket closures. The bag is generallycarried by purse straps 18. The major interior of the bag is accessibleby hinging the top 16 about its attachment to the second side 30.Articles such as diapers and cleaning cloths optionally stored in thevarious outer pockets are accessible without unfolding the bag andwithout reaching deeply into the major interior of the bag.

The baby bag is convertible to a baby carrier as shown in various viewsin FIGS. 7-15. In FIG. 7, the connectors 48,50 are released forseparation, respectively, of the first and second members 40,42 of thesecond end 38 and of the first and second members 46,48 of the first end14, thereby allowing conversion of the baby bag into the baby carrier byunfolding of the baby bag. The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is referredto nominally herein as a folded configuration for storage and transportof the baby bag. The configuration shown in FIG. 8 is referred tonominally herein as an unfolded configuration defining a baby carrier 10for receiving a baby. FIG. 7 shows the act of converting the baby bag 10of FIGS. 1-6 into the baby carrier 10 of FIGS. 8-9.

A base of the baby carrier is defined by the sides and bottom of thebaby bag. The first side 12 and second side 30 are each hingedlyattached to the bottom 24 such that the baby bag 10 (FIG. 6) isconvertible to the baby carrier 10 (FIG. 8) by hinging of the first andsecond sides about the bottom. Thus, in the context of the baby bag 10(FIG. 6) the items 12,30, and 24 are referred to nominally hereinrespectively as the first side 12, second side 30, and bottom 24 of thebaby bag 10; and, in the context of the baby carrier 10 (FIG. 8) thesame items are referred to as members of the base 52.

As shown in FIG. 8, a collapsible wall 53 is attached to the base 52 andextends around the perimeter thereof. The wall 53 is shown as at leastpartially collapsed in FIG. 7. When the base 52 is in the unfoldedconfiguration (FIG. 8), the collapsible wall 53 is generally upstandingfrom the base for encircling a baby received upon the base.

A pocket 55 is attached to the base 52 as show in FIG. 8 and has agathered elastic opening that opens away from a child received on thebase (FIG. 13). The pocket 55 is positioned proximal the legs and underthe feet of the child. A blanket, diapers, wipes, or other supplies andarticles are optionally stored in the pocket 55.

Also as shown in FIG. 8, a pocket 155 optionally is provided oncollapsible wall 53. Pocket 155 is specifically dimensioned to receivethe base of an umbrella in snug fit therein for shading of a babyreceived within a harness 70, which harness discussed in further detailbelow. The umbrella preferably is lightweight whereby the pocket 155will support the umbrella in a desired position in order to provide thedesired shade.

As shown in FIG. 9-11, the base 52 of the baby carrier 10 comprisesrigid members that are hingedly attached together. A foldedconfiguration of the base 52 is shown in FIG. 10, wherein rigid sidemembers 54,56 are oriented essentially perpendicularly to a rigidcentral member 58. The rigid side members 54, 56 are each hingedlyattached to the rigid central member 58 by flexible hinging members 60such that overextension beyond an unfolded configuration of the base asshown in FIG. 111 is prevented by the rigid members 54,56,58. Inparticular, respective portions 58 a,58 b of the rigid central member 58extend beyond axes where the rigid side members 54,56 are hingedlyattached to the rigid central member 58. Overextension of the rigid sidemembers beyond the unfolded configuration of FIG. 11 is prevented byabutment of the portions 58 a,58 b with the rigid side members 54,56respectively.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-11, the flexible hinging members 60comprise flexible portions of fabric that are bonded, adhered, sewn, orotherwise attached to the rigid members of the base while other hingingconstructions comprising living hinges and hinges having axles areincluded in other embodiments. A cushion 59 (FIGS. 10-11) is providedfor disposition between the rigid members 54,56,58 and a baby forcomfort. Optionally, a washable removable fitted sheet (not shown) orother soft cover receives the cushion and rigid members to retain thecushion in abutment with the rigid members, to protect the cushion fromsoiling, and to further comfort the baby.

Another embodiment of an arrangement of rigid members of a base of ababy bag convertible to a baby carrier is partially shown in FIG. 12. Inthis embodiment, like that of FIGS. 9-11, rigid side members 62,64 areeach hingedly attached to a rigid central member 66 by flexible hingingmembers 68 such that overextension beyond an unfolded configuration isprevented by the rigid members 62,64,66. In this embodiment, however,unlike that of FIGS. 9-11, respective portions 62 a,64 a of the rigidside members extend beyond axes where the rigid side members 62,64 arehingedly attached to the rigid central member 66. Overextension of therigid side members is prevented by abutment of the portions 62 a,64 arespectively with the rigid central member 66.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 13, a harness 70 is connected to the base 52 ofthe baby carrier for restraining a baby received upon the base when thebase is in the unfolded configuration. The harness is configured torestrain a baby such that the back of the baby is maintained in closeproximity to the base. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 13, theharness 70 comprises straps that extend from the base 52, pass about theshoulders of the child, and connect to a groin area panel that passesbetween the legs of the child. A breast strap assembly passes across thebreast of the child. The harness includes sliding adjusters forproviding a comfortable fit about the child and release snaps forconveniently securing and releasing the child.

Furthermore, the baby carrier preferably includes a cushion forpartially surrounding and supporting a baby's head when the baby isreceived on the base. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 13,the cushion 72 (FIG. 13) is removably attached to the base 52 viahook-and-loop fasteners 74 (FIG. 8). The cushion is provided for comfortand to control the position of the head of the child as may be neededwith particular regard to young infants.

A blanket 82 is shown covering much of the child in FIG. 14. The blanket82 is optionally removably attached to the base 52 via hook-and-loopfasteners (not shown). Securing pads 84 attached to the blanket are forsecuring a bottle support 86 (FIG. 15) to the blanket as shown in FIG.16. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing pads 84 (FIG. 14)comprise hook-and-loop fasteners for engaging corresponding fasteners onthe bottom of the bottle support. The bottle support 86 is shown in FIG.16 with a bottle therein such that the bottle is supported by thesupport and is retained by a strap 88 (FIG. 15) of the bottle support 86such that the child may comfortably feed from the bottle.

A shoulder strap 90 is provided for suspension of the baby carrier 10therefrom when the baby carrier is in the unfolded configuration asshown in FIGS. 17-18. The shoulder strap 90 is capable of beingremovably attached to the baby carrier, for example, by way ofreleasable clips 9 (FIG. 17) each located at an opposing end of the babycarrier 10. A baby received by the baby carrier may be carried by aperson utilizing the shoulder strap as shown in FIG. 18. Toys hanging ona cord may be attached to the shoulder strap, as shown in FIG. 17, whichwill swing and move for the amusement of the child as the baby carrieris carried.

Additionally or alternatively, a shoulder strap is removably attached tothe baby carrier at opposing sides of the carrier such that the babycarrier may be carried by a person utilizing the shoulder strap, asshown in FIG. 19. In the arrangement of FIG. 19, a shoulder strap isattached to the base of the carrier proximal the rigid central member 58(FIGS. 9,11) such that, upon lifting the carrier by the strap, biasingof the carrier toward the folded configuration is minimized or avoided.For additional security, a belt worn about the waist of the personutilizing the shoulder strap may be passed through an anchor strap 91(FIG. 6) attached to the base of the carrier.

Additionally or alternatively, the baby carrier is capable of beingsupported by straps 94 as shown in FIG. 20. The straps 94 are attachedto the base of the carrier proximal the rigid central member 58 (FIGS.9,11) such that, upon lifting the carrier by the straps as shown in FIG.20, biasing of the carrier toward the folded configuration is minimizedor avoided.

According to another embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS.21-25, a baby bag 500 (FIG. 23) is convertible to a baby carrier 500(FIGS. 21, 24-25) that comprises a base 502 having an unfoldedconfiguration as shown in FIGS. 21 and 24-25, and a folded configurationas shown in FIG. 22-23. The base 502 comprises a first member 502 a forreceiving the head and upper torso of a baby, and a second member 502 bfor receiving the legs of a baby. A harness 504 is attached to each ofthe first member and second member for securing a baby when received bythe base 502 in the unfolded configuration.

A hinge-control lever 506 extends from the base 502 along the axis alongwhich the member 502 a and second member 502 b are hingedly attached.When the base 502 obtains the folded configuration (FIG. 22), the firstmember 502 a abuts the second member 502 b. When the base 502 obtainsthe unfolded configuration (FIG. 21), the first member 502 a and secondmember 502 b are disposed in an essentially coplanar relationship. Thefirst member 502 a and second member 502 b are capable of any relativedisposition between the unfolded configuration (FIG. 21) and the foldedconfiguration (FIG. 22) when the hinge-control lever 506 is unlocked.For example, in FIG. 24 the first member is slightly inclined from thecompletely unfolded configuration. Relative movement (hinging) betweenthe first member and second member is arrested when the hinge-controllever is locked.

A first lateral member 508 is hingedly attached to the first member 502a of the base and a second lateral member 510 is hingedly attached tothe second member 502 b of the base. Each lateral member 508,510includes a number of pockets 512 having optional closure elements suchas buckles, zippers, and buttons. The pockets 512 are arranged on thefaces of the lateral members that are readily accessible when either thefolded configuration (FIG. 23) or the unfolded configuration (FIG. 21)of the base 502 is obtained. A pocket 509 attached to the first lateralmember 508 may be specifically dimensioned to receive a mobile phone insnug fit therein. Alternatively, pocket 509 may be specificallydimensioned to receive a baby bottle in snug fit therein.

The convertible baby bag 500 is configured as a bag with a bag-carryingstrap assembly 514 in FIG. 23, wherein the first lateral member abutsthe first member of the base and the second lateral member 510 abuts thesecond member of the base. Closure elements 516 attached to the lateralmembers and comprising straps and quick-release buckles are useful forsecuring the baby bag in the bag configuration shown in FIG. 23. Theclosure elements 516 are further useful for securing the lateral membersin rolled configurations as shown in FIG. 24.

The convertible baby bag 500 includes a collapsible canopy 518 as shownin FIGS. 21 and 24. The collapsible canopy optionally hinges about theaxis along which the first member and second member of the base arehingedly attached.

The convertible baby bag 500 is configured as a baby carrier with ashoulder strap assembly in FIGS. 24 and 25. The shoulder strap assemblyhas a single strap portion 520 and a double strap portion 522. Thedouble strap portion 522 is anchored to the first and second members ofthe base at spaced respective anchor points to assist in stabilizing thebaby carrier when carried as shown in FIG. 25.

A collapsible wall 524 is attached to and extends around the perimeterof the base for encircling a baby received upon the base when theunfolded configuration (FIG. 24) is obtained. In the illustratedembodiment, the wall 524 includes sections 526 comprising mesh. The wall524 collapses toward the base when the folded configuration is obtained(FIG. 23).

Within the convertible baby bag 500 shown in FIGS. 21-25, a hingingframe 530 as shown in FIGS. 26-28 comprises a first frame member 532 forsupporting the first member of the base, a second frame member 534 forsupporting the second member of the base, and the hinge control lever506. The hinging frame 530 obtains: the unfolded configuration shown inFIG. 26 when the base 502 (FIG. 21) obtains the unfolded configuration;the folded configuration shown in FIG. 27 when the base 502 (FIG. 22)obtains the folded configuration; and, an intermediate inclinedconfiguration as shown in FIG. 28 when the base 502 obtains an inclinedconfiguration. Relative movement (hinging) between the first framemember and second frame member is arrested when the hinge-control lever506 is locked. Construction of the hinging frame 530 preventsoverextension of the frame members beyond the unfolded configuration(FIG. 26).

Another embodiment of a frame for a convertible baby bag is shown inFIGS. 29-30. In FIG. 29, the hinging frame 630 includes a first framemember 632, a second frame member 634, a canopy support member 636, anda bracket 638 about which the first frame member, the second framemember and the canopy support member rotate. A leg member 640 ishingedly attached to the first frame member 632 for supporting the firstframe member in an inclined configuration as shown. Horizontal supportmembers 642 depend from the bracket providing stability to the hingingframe when placed on a horizontal surface and preventing overextensionof the first frame member and second frame member beyond the horizontal.The hinging frame 630 is shown in FIG. 29 in an inclined configurationthat is intermediate a folded configuration (not shown), wherein thefirst and second frame members are vertically disposed, and an unfoldedconfiguration (not shown), wherein the first and second frame membersare horizontally disposed.

As shown in FIG. 30, wherein the first and second frame members aremaintained as in FIG. 29 but wherein the bracket 638 is not shown,overextension of the first and second frame members 632,634 beyond ahorizontal configuration is further prevented by respective abuttingsurfaces 644,646 that abut each other when the horizontal configurationis obtained.

In addition to the foregoing detailed description, it further is notedthat the embodiment of the baby carrier as shown, for example, in FIG.21 includes feet 555 for elevation of the base of the baby carrier abovea surface upon which the baby carrier may be placed. Elevation of thebaby carrier is advantageous for insulating the baby carrier from heatexchange with the support surface. Feet 556 further are provided in theframe of, for example, FIG. 26 for similarly elevating a base of a babycarrier. Moreover, the frame of FIG. 26 further defines openings 557extending therethrough containing air for further insulating the basefrom any support surface upon which the base may be placed. Similarly,the frame of the embodiment of, for example, FIG. 30 also includes feet558 and openings 559 separated by support walls for elevating andinsulating a base of a baby carrier.

1. A baby bag that is convertible to a baby carrier, comprising: (a) abase that is movable between, (i) a folded configuration defining thebaby bag for storage and transport thereof, and (ii) an unfoldedconfiguration defining a baby carrier for receiving a baby thereon; and(b) a harness connected to said base for restraining a baby receivedupon said base when said base is in said unfolded configuration, saidharness configured to restrain a baby such that a back of the baby ismaintained in close proximity to said base; (c) wherein said baseincludes first and second rigid planar members coupled together andmovable, (i) from a first position, corresponding to said base being inthe unfolded configuration, (A) wherein said first and second rigidmembers are disposed in coplanar relation to one another, with proximalends thereof spaced apart from one another, and (B) wherein said firstand second rigid members are configured to support a baby received uponsaid base, (ii) to a second position, corresponding to said base beingin the folded configuration, (A) wherein said first and second rigidmembers are disposed in spaced parallel relation to one another, and (B)wherein said first and second rigid members define therebetween aninterior space.
 2. The baby bag of claim 1, wherein said base comprisesa third member that extends between and connects said first rigid memberand said second rigid member, each of said first rigid member and saidsecond rigid member being attached to said third member; and whereinsaid third member is rigid and planar, and wherein moving of said basefrom the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration includesrotating said first rigid member relative to said third member, androtating said second rigid member relative to said third member.
 3. Thebaby bag of claim 2, further comprising a shoulder strap removablyattached to said base proximate said third member.
 4. The baby bag ofclaim 1, wherein said base is cushioned for receiving a baby in comfort.5. The baby bag of claim 1, wherein said baby bag includes a pluralityof pockets, and wherein at least one said pocket is disposed on a memberthat is connected to said base for hinging movement relative thereto. 6.The baby bag of claim 1, wherein said baby bag includes a plurality ofpockets, and wherein at least one said pocket is dimensioned to receivea mobile phone.
 7. The baby bag of claim 1, wherein said baby bagincludes a plurality of pockets, and wherein at least one said pocket isdimensioned to receive a baby bottle, said pocket being disposed on theoutside of said baby bag when said base is in said folded configuration.8. The baby bag of claim 1, wherein said baby bag includes a pluralityof pockets, and wherein at least one said pocket is dimensioned toreceive an umbrella when said base is in said unfolded configuration forshading of a baby received upon said base.
 9. The baby bag of claim 1,wherein said baby bag further comprises a canopy for covering of a babywhen received on said base.
 10. The baby bag of claim 1, wherein saidbaby bag further comprises a collapsible wall attached to and extendingaround a perimeter of said base for encircling a baby received upon saidbase when said base is in said unfolded configuration, said wallcollapsing toward said base when said base is moved into said foldedconfiguration.
 11. The baby bag of claim 10, wherein said collapsiblewall includes sections comprising mesh.
 12. The baby bag of claim 1,wherein said baby bag further comprises a cushion for partiallysurrounding a baby's head when received upon said base.
 13. The baby bagof claim 12, wherein said cushion is removably attached to said base viahook-and-loop fasteners.
 14. The baby bag of claim 1, wherein said babybag further comprises a blanket for covering of a baby received uponsaid base.
 15. The baby bag of claim 14, wherein said blanket isremovably attached to said base via hook-and-loop fasteners.
 16. Thebaby bag of claim 2, further comprising an anchor strap connected tosaid base proximate said third member for receipt there through of abelt.
 17. A baby bag that is convertible to a baby carrier, comprising:(a) a base that is movable between (i) a folded configuration forstorage and transport of the baby bag, and (ii) an unfoldedconfiguration for receiving a baby; and (b) a shoulder strap attached tosaid base when said base is in said unfolded configuration forsuspension of said base, whereby a baby received upon said base may becarried by a person utilizing said shoulder strap; (c) wherein said baseincludes first and second rigid planar members coupled together andmovable, (i) from a first position, corresponding to said base being inthe unfolded configuration, (A) wherein said first and second rigidmembers are disposed in coplanar relation to one another, with proximalends thereof spaced apart from one another, and (B) wherein said firstand second rigid members are configured to support a baby received uponsaid base, (ii) to a second position, corresponding to said base beingin the folded configuration, (A) wherein said first and second rigidmembers are disposed in spaced parallel relation to one another, and (B)wherein said first and second rigid members define therebetween aninterior space.